A normal day at Florida State University (FSU) turned into horror on Thursday. A student opened fire near the student union. Two people died. Six others were hurt. Police shot the suspect, who is now in the hospital.
What Happened at FSU?
The shooting happened around lunchtime. It took place near the busy student union building. Students were eating, walking, and relaxing. Then, gunshots rang out.
Panic followed. People ran for cover. Others hid inside buildings. The university sent out an alert telling students to shelter in place.
Who Is the Suspect?
The gunman is 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner. He is a student at FSU. Police say he used a gun that belonged to his mother. She is a long-time officer in Leon County.
The gun was her old service weapon. She kept it after the department upgraded its gear. A shotgun was also found at the scene.
Phoenix Ikner was part of the youth advisory council at the sheriff’s office. He had taken part in police training programs. He was known in the law enforcement community.
Police say this may be why he had easy access to guns.
What Students Saw and Heard
Ava Arenado, a student, told the news that her class got the alert. They stopped everything and took cover.
Blake Leonard, another student, said he heard about 12 shots. At first, he thought it was construction. Then he saw people running. He heard more shots and ran too.
Many students were shocked. Some were crying. Others were calling loved ones.
What Officials Said
Sheriff Walt McNeil said the suspect’s mother is a trusted officer. He called her a model employee. He also said it’s no surprise the suspect had access to weapons.
Governor Ron DeSantis shared his thoughts. He said his prayers are with the FSU family. He confirmed that state law enforcement is working on the case.
President Donald Trump said he had been told about the shooting. When asked about gun laws, he stood by the Second Amendment. He said these events were terrible but gave no hint of a law change.
A Painful Past for FSU
This is not the first time FSU has faced gun violence. In 2015, a shooter injured three people in the library. Police shot and killed him.
This time, the pain is deeper for some. Fred Guttenberg lost his daughter in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. He said some of her classmates now go to FSU.
They were near the union during Thursday’s shooting.
He posted on social media that some of them have now faced two school shootings.
Renewed Questions on Gun Safety
The fact that the shooter used a police gun has raised big concerns. Many are asking: How did he get it? Should police officers be allowed to keep old weapons?
Others are once again calling for better gun safety laws. Some say stronger background checks could help. Others believe access to guns in homes should be more secure.
The debate is old, but this case adds new pain to the fight.
Support for the FSU Community
FSU is offering help to students and staff. Counseling is available. Mental health teams are on campus. The school says it will continue to update students on safety.
People across Florida and the country are sending support. Messages of care and concern are pouring in.
Closing Thoughts
Florida State University (FSU) is hurting. A day that should have been full of learning ended in fear. Two lives were lost. Families are broken.
As the investigation continues, many are left with deep questions. Why did this happen? Could it have been stopped?
What’s clear is that FSU and the world watching, won’t forget this day.
